State schedules public hearings on utility response to Superstorm Sandy

The Public Utilities Regulatory Authority today announced three public hearings, including one in Waterford, on the preparation and response of Connecticut’s electric distribution companies and gas companies in restoring service following Storm Sandy.

The Waterford hearing will be at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 15 at town hall. The other two will be 6:30 p.m. Jan. 3 at the East Haven Senior Center, and 6:30 p.m. Jan. 7 at the Westport Town Hall.

PURA is required by law review utility company performance when more than 10 per cent of an electric distribution company’s customers are without service for more than 48 consecutive hours, which was the case during Storm Sandy. The investigation will cover The Connecticut Light and Power Company and The United Illuminating Company, and Connecticut Natural Gas Corp., Yankee Gas Services Co. and The Southern Connecticut Gas Co.

Information on this investigation, Docket No. 12-11-07, including all documents and rulings, can be found at www.ct.gov/pura.

Written and electronic comments from the public, including town officials, regarding their experience with the electric and natural gas utility companies in the aftermath of Storm Sandy. Anyone wishing to comment on the docket can do so through the PURA web filing system at www.ct.gov/pura, or by email at: dpuc.executivesecretary@po.state.ct.us, or by sending written comments to: Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority; Executive Secretary’s Office; 10 Franklin Square; New Britain, CT 06051

At the conclusion of this investigation the PURA may order specific remedies, compliance filings and orders. In addition, PURA may determine whether other sanctions are warranted.